Squad sheets

Squad sheets: Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers

As a former Newcastle United manager, Blackburn's Sam Allardyce can expect a hot reception. Steve Bruce, meanwhile, anticipates a somewhat gruelling afternoon. "Sam is very, very well organised and his teams play to a system which is not always easy on the eye but is very effective," said Sunderland's manager. "But these are the games we are going to be judged on." This is the home side's third match in a week and, with injuries mounting, it will be intriguing to see if Bruce offers fit crowd favourite Andy Reid a start. Louise Taylor

Venue Stadium of Light, Saturday, 3pm

Tickets £27 (0871 911 1973)

Last season Sunderland 0 Blackburn 0

Referee A Wiley This season's matches 2 Y6, R0, 3.00 cards per game

sportingbet odds Sunderland evens Blackburn 12-5 Draw 9-4

Match pointers

• These teams met five times in all competitions last season with all the games finishing either 0-0 or 2-1

• Blackburn have lost their last five Premier League away games, scoring one goal in the process

• Sunderland have lost five of their last six league games at the Stadium of Light

• Blackburn have not lost a league game at Sunderland since September 2001 when Niall Quinn scored the only goal of the game

Probable starters in bold, contenders in light Photograph: Graphic

• Darren Bent has scored four goals in his last five league appearances